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C5 Convertible Body Flex?

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Old Aug 11, 2016 | 10:00 PM
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Default C5 Convertible Body Flex?

I'm looking at C5's and stuck between a convertible and targa top. I have memories in a convertible as a kid, so I want one, but I plan to build it and I'm kind of worried about the body flex.

I rode in a 3rd gen Camaro Convertible and it flexed like crazy... curious how bad the flex is in a C5.

Any input is appreciated!
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Old Aug 11, 2016 | 10:16 PM
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Originally Posted by trewyn15
I'm looking at C5's and stuck between a convertible and targa top. I have memories in a convertible as a kid, so I want one, but I plan to build it and I'm kind of worried about the body flex.

I rode in a 3rd gen Camaro Convertible and it flexed like crazy... curious how bad the flex is in a C5.

Any input is appreciated!
I had a '96 Z for 8 years before getting an '04 Vette.

Neither had/ has any flex that I can feel. Not really an issue

Edit: mine is completely stock so I have no idea what or how much modding
they can take.

Last edited by Murray Anderson; Aug 11, 2016 at 10:19 PM.
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Old Aug 11, 2016 | 10:28 PM
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IIRC, the C5 was designed around the convertible so the amount of flex between a vert and coupe is really the same. It is a very stiff chassis.
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Old Aug 11, 2016 | 10:50 PM
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Have not noticed any flex, I'm around 550hp/tq, but I've never tracked car.
It is nice to have a built vert, not many people expect it.

Good luck
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Old Aug 11, 2016 | 10:59 PM
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As said there is no difference in flex between the coupe and the verts. They where designed to be a vert. Now the C4's that is a different story.
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Old Aug 12, 2016 | 12:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
IIRC, the C5 was designed around the convertible so the amount of flex between a vert and coupe is really the same. It is a very stiff chassis.
What he said!
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Old Aug 12, 2016 | 12:47 AM
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It was designed to be a convertible, but it is a bit stiffer with a real roof, hence (partially) the FRC for enthusiasts. And the Z being a fixed roof.

There are other things that add stiffness - like a thicker tube plate underneath the car, and a harness bar (and a roll cage more so).

Realistically, you are unlikely to find it lacking in stiffness unless you're tracking it hard.
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Old Aug 12, 2016 | 12:19 PM
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Thanks guys, it's appreciated! I'm planning to get an LS3 on the stand after I'm done with my AMC engine and go forged bottom end for some pretty high power, I figure I'll be alright. Glad to hear they're solid!
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Old Aug 12, 2016 | 01:49 PM
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Well, when I jack up our 04 vert behind the front wheel in the factory jacking spot, it jacks up the that whole side of the car...I'd say not much flexing...
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Old Aug 12, 2016 | 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by 73Corvette
Well, when I jack up our 04 vert behind the front wheel in the factory jacking spot, it jacks up the that whole side of the car...I'd say not much flexing...
Same goes for the rear jacking spot.
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Old Aug 12, 2016 | 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by K-Spaz
Same goes for the rear jacking spot.
Yes it does, and both sides...
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Old Aug 12, 2016 | 02:43 PM
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I have had my C5 Vert for 10 years and can say that I have never noticed any body flex.
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Old Aug 12, 2016 | 05:59 PM
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I have ceramic coated steel tunnel plate on my C5 vert.
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Old Aug 13, 2016 | 10:48 PM
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Yep, in fact I traded in my 93 40th for a 2K Vert because the 93 with the roof panel off was so flexible when hitting the back country roads. The Vert has none.

Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
IIRC, the C5 was designed around the convertible so the amount of flex between a vert and coupe is really the same. It is a very stiff chassis.
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